KUCHING: There has been no approach by PKR to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) for a possible electoral collaboration in the forthcoming Sarawak state election, says Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Hamzah.
He said any such approach was likely to be rejected outright as PKR and other peninsula-based parties have different interests.
Abdul Karim, who is caretaker state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, said although GPS may be a political ally in the Federal government, PKR is an Opposition party in Sarawak.
He also said it would be difficult to reach any sort of collaboration with PKR as the party is part of the Pakatan Harapan coalition, which includes DAP.
Prior to the dissolution of the Sarawak state assembly on Oct 26, two DAP assemblymen sat on the Opposition bench.
"GPS will be on their own. Others, we treat them as the Opposition. (And) I'm not being arrogant here," Abdul Karim said at a press conference on Monday (Nov 2).
GPS is a coalition of four Sarawak-based parties – PBB, Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).
"These parties prioritise Sarawak's interests first," Abdul Karim said, alluding to Sarawak's ongoing fight for full adherence to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the return of eroded rights.
Painting a scenario should there be a collaboration, he said if GPS needed PKR's support on matters of utmost interest to Sarawak after the election, that support might not materialise because PKR is a national party headquartered in the peninsula.
He said for a decision on matters of importance, Sarawak PKR leaders would probably have to refer to the central leadership.
"Whether their bosses in Kuala Lumpur would agree (is a matter of concern).
"We don't want that kind of thing. So whether it's PKR, PAS or DAP, don't think about collaboration," he said.
Abdul Karim is widely expected to defend the Asajaya seat he has held since 2001.
